China unveils new climate goals

CHINA has for the first time made specific emission cut pledges, though its goal of reducing planet-warming greenhouse gases just 7-10% by 2035 is seen as far too modest.

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PEOPLE visit a shopping mall as buildings are seen shrouded by polluted air in Beijing, China.

(AFP)

But Beijing has often "under-promised and over-delivered", analysts say, and its pledge offers a path towards more ambitious efforts to tackle climate change.

Here's what to know: Why it matters

China is the world's second-biggest economy and the largest polluter. It accounts for nearly 30% of global emissions.

It is also a clean energy powerhouse, and sells most of the world's solar panels, batteries and electric cars.

China's trajectory determines whether the world will limit end-of-century warming to 1.5C and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate disruption.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries must update their "Nationally Determined Contributions" every five years. Many are racing to do so before the COP climate summit in Brazil this November.